Last day in Quito and our visit to majetic Maquipucuna Cloud Forest

What an awesome place we visited today for our last excursion. The place is called Maquipucuna and it is a beautiful rainforest with an incredible biodiversity. First, before getting there, we had to battle Quito traffic.

Sings like this one made it easier to be patient with the traffic. 

After we got out of the city, we went into the mountains. Up and down, curves here and there. 

The scenery was beautiful. Nothing like MN. 

We finally made it to Maquipucuna and our host Luis (on the left) was so welcoming. He told us about their mission which is to save and preserve the cloud forest. He told us about the many different species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects found here. 

We later took a hike to the waterfall where we were going to go for a swim and eat some lunch. 

Mr. K. was in seventh heaven! 

Our hike was awesome. We were not able to see any bears or pumas, but we got to see amazing plants, insects, and a beautiful waterfall. 

Some places were very slippery. Yea... there were a lot of wet shoes. 

We finally made it. I for sure went in the water. I was the only crazy one I guess. 

The required selfie with the gang. 

Our visit to Otavalo

Otavalo is a small town north of Quito that is famous for the beautiful handmade articles from the locals. The plan today is to find some souvenirs for our families. I also gave the students a task. I told them that they had to videotape an bargaining interaction in Spanish  and who ever got the best deal would get the Ecuador jersey. They were pumped. 

Distances are short in Ecuador but traffic makes it feel long. Either way, we got to see very cool parts of the city and the road from the bus. This is Plaza Argentina.  

On our way to Otavalo we made a quick stop to check out the volcano and the San Pedro Lake. The group made good friends with this little puppy. 

The clouds made it hard to see the top of the volcano. 

And they are off in search of the best deal and some awesome gifts. 

The main plaza in Otavalo is used by street vendors to sell their handmade products.

Towards the end of our time, students gathered to share with each other their finds. 

Ben here in search of a little wooden cuy, trying to get a better deal than what Cate got. 

Our group is specially excited for this meal. We were told that we are going to have Cuy (guinea pig). This is a very traditional dish in Ecuador and they have researched it and are anxious to try it. 

There it is. 

The Cuy went around the table for the photo opp. 

The cuy seemed to be deep fried. The skin was crisp and had a fish like taste. The meat was tender, moist and gamey. It was served with steamed potatoes and a delicious white creamy cheese sauce.  

Yea... Ryan (one of the students from the Oregon group) tried (unsuccessfully) to make Meridith to try the brains of the cuy. 

As you can see, it was a feast. The students eat, talked, and just hung out. You will be surprised how much they can talk about when wifi is not available. 

After our meal we had an hour to walk around, explore this charming town before going back to 

Quito. 

My self, I found a great coffee shop where I relaxed, enjoyed some nice brewed coffee and people watched. 

On the way back, our bus became a party bus! We were singing, talking and laughing. 

It was a great day!